Sony Pictures Brings Two Movie Franchises to SeaWorld Orlando with Hotel Transylvania at Spooktacular and I Know What You Did Last Summer at Howl-O-Scream
Halloween events are big business for theme parks. SeaWorld Orlando launched two new IP-driven events for this upcoming spooky season. The addition shows that the United Parks & Resorts Inc. brand is ready to challenge the other Orlando attractions.
For the 2026 Halloween season, SeaWorld Orlando announced that two popular movie franchises are coming to its events. First, the family-friendly Sony Pictures Animation's Hotel Transylvania comes to its Halloween Spooktacular. Additionally, Sony Pictures' I Know What You Did Last Summer joins Howl-O-Scream Orlando.
Adding familiar characters and stories to the Halloween events is smart for SeaWorld. While many people appreciate the creative team's originality, known characters heighten the overall experience. Fans long for the storylines to jump off the screen in unique, engaging ways.
Fans long for the storylines to jump off the screen in unique, engaging ways.
The Hotel Transylvania collaboration is more than just another photo op or meet-and-greet. As movie fans appreciate, that vacation storyline is key to the characters and their adventures. The creative team developed a fun, interactive experience for all guests.
Specifically, the Hotel Transylvania Breakfast opens the doors to a huge feast that would satisfy a monster's appetite. The SeaFire Inn becomes the Monster Dread and Breakfast. Drac and Mavis set the table with food that all ages will appreciate.
While everyone must follow those "House Rules," no one will be turned away at the door. In addition to a huge buffet, guests will join interactive music moments, photo opportunities, and fun throughout the whole experience.
The Monster Breakfast Buffet includes options that both younger guests and adults will appreciate. Options include Drac's Brown Sugar Glazed Ham carving station, Wayne's "Howling Breakfast Favorites," Mavis's Morning Magic French toast sticks, Dennis' Little Monster Corner with kid-friendly treats, and much more.
This Hotel Transylvania event is smart for families. It brings a taste of spooky moments without turning into a scare fest. SeaWorld Orlando found a way to not only make kids happy but also offer an event that keeps adults engaged, too. These characters appeal to all ages.
For just the adults, bringing the Fisherman from I Know What You Did Last Summer to Howl-O-Scream Orlando is another smart play. This movie franchise had a recent resurgence with its 2025 film. The movie plays into 2026 Howl-O-Scream's '90s vibe. It is a well-timed launch.
Howl-O-Scream Orlando never had an IP haunted house. Given the movie's location and tie to the sea, it works with SeaWorld's connection to marine life and the ocean. It might not be the Sirens' cautionary tale from six years ago, but the Fisherman is ready to wage his revenge on the shore.
Officially titled I Know What You Did Last Summer: The Final Catch, the haunted house brings guests to Southport for a new story as the Fisherman stalks their every move.
In addition to the haunted house, the culinary team infuses the Fisherman and his seaside haunts into the food and beverage menu. A simple anchor-shaped pretzel is an easy snack to refuel after sprinting through the scare zones. The cocktails are more potent than just a fruity Sea Breeze.
The movie-inspired house joins four other haunted houses, six scare zones, two roaming hordes, five new themed bars, nighttime thrill rides, and live entertainment during Howl-O-Scream Orlando.
Overall, IP additions to SeaWorld Orlando's Halloween events will bring more guests to the theme park. Could these offerings be the first chapter in a long list of partnerships? Based on the recent earnings call, guests should expect more lead IP offerings. Any guesses which Sony Pictures movie franchise could be next?
SeaWorld Orlando's Halloween Spooktacular for all ages runs August 29 through November 1, 2026. Howl-O-Scream Orlando runs September 11 through October 31, 2026. Tickets for both events can be purchased online.
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